The Research Desk
Cyberbullying and harassment spike health complaints in Swedish teens.
Cyberbullying and cyber sexual harassment as predictors of subjective health complaints. A cross-sectional study among Swedish adolescents.
- Resilience
- Relationships
Dahlström, A., Dahlqvist, H., Gillander Gådin, K.
In plain language
This study highlights the significant impact of cyberbullying and cyber sexual harassment on the health of Swedish adolescents. Researchers focused on subjective health complaints (SHC), which are self-reported issues like headaches, stomachaches, or feelings of low mood. The study surveyed over 1,200 15-year-olds to understand how these online harassment experiences affect their well-being.
The findings reveal that both cyberbullying and cyber sexual harassment are linked to increased SHC in teenagers, regardless of their gender. The study also found that specific types of cyber sexual harassment, such as unsolicited sexting and degrading name-calling, were particularly harmful. Interestingly, while both boys and girls are affected, the impact seems stronger among girls.
Key findings
- Cyberbullying and cyber sexual harassment are linked to increased subjective health complaints in adolescents.
- Unsolicited sexting and degrading name-calling are the strongest predictors of health complaints.
- The impact of these forms of harassment is significant for both boys and girls.
- The association between cyber victimisation and health complaints is independent of loneliness, school stress, and social media use.
- Gender differences exist, with girls showing a greater variance in health complaints due to these factors.
Why it matters
This research underscores the importance of addressing online harassment as a critical factor in the mental and physical health of adolescents. Understanding these dynamics can help in developing better support systems for young people to enhance their well-being.
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Parents, educators, and policymakers should focus on creating safe online environments and educating adolescents about the risks of cyberbullying and harassment. Encouraging open communication about online experiences can also help mitigate the negative impacts on young people's health.